Rev. Pfleger mum on reports he will head Leo H.S.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger and Howard University students at Daley Plaza for an anti-violence rally

(Antonio Perez/ Tribune)

The Rev. Michael Pfleger and Howard University students from Washington D.C., gather for an anti gun violence rally at Daley Plaza. Father Pfleger did not answer any questions when asked about whether he's leaving St. Sabina Roman Catholic parish.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger and Howard University students from Washington D.C., gather for an anti gun violence rally at Daley Plaza. Father Pfleger did not answer any questions when asked about whether he's leaving St. Sabina Roman Catholic parish. ((Antonio Perez/ Tribune))

Rev. Michael Pfleger today would not comment about unconfirmed reports that he has been asked to leave St. Sabina Catholic Church to become president of Leo High School, saying his conversations with the Archdiocese of Chicago are a confidential matter.

Appearing at a rally against gun violence at the Daley Center, Pfleger would only say he is writing a response to the Archdiocese of Chicago, but wouldn’t say to what he was responding.

Speculation about his departure swirled in media reports this week, and both the church and the school have issued statements that would not confirm his change of post, but instead expressed opinions about the possibility.

"We are deeply saddened to hear that after 36 years of dedicated service to the faith community of St. Sabina, Father Michael Pfleger could possibly be forced to leave his position as pastor against his will and against the will of the congregation," said Melech Thomas, 23, as part of a prepared statement addressed to Cardinal Francis George. "His ministry, as you are well aware of, has been essential to the growth of the city of Chicago in general and the Auburn-Gresham community in particular."

Pfleger, who has been at St. Sabina for three decades, has long been a lightning rod in Chicago circles. A longtime ally of outgoing Mayor Richard M. Daley, he has been outspoken about liquor and tobacco sales, gun violence, and police leadership. He most recently expressed concerns about the next police superintendent when former Superintendent Jody Weis left the department’s helm last month.

Pastor at St. Sabina for the past three decades, rumors have surfaced in recent years of his potential departure, but eventually proved false.

St. Sabina released a statement Thursday saying the church community wanted to be involved in any decision regarding Pfleger’s departure or succession plan.

“We realize that Father Pfleger will not serve as Pastor of Saint Sabina forever,” the statement said. “However, considering the current state of the economy, we believe that removing him at this time would be devastating to both our parish and the Auburn Gresham community. We also know that it is Father Pfleger's desire to remain as pastor of Saint Sabina.”

The superintendent of Catholic schools also released a statement Thursday, saying it was a private personnel matter, but added that Pfleger "would bring much to the ministry of Leo High School" if he joined the staff there.

The current president Dan McGrath, a Leo alumnus, said progress also has been made repairing the school’s relationship with Pfleger, which had soured in recent years. When the school’s gym fell into disrepair earlier this year, Pfleger opened the doors of St. Sabina in the early morning hours for Leo’s basketball team to practice.

“If you’re going to do business on 79th street you really have to be an ally,” McGrath said. “I think we have a common mission because we’re serving a lot of the same kids.”

McGrath hopes to continue the progress he has made at his alma mater and hasn't heard that he won't get that opportunity.